as in spectators
someone who sees or watches something
bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bystanders
When Martinez throws something back, the woman rushes toward her, throws her to the ground, grabs her by the hair and repeatedly attacks her as bystanders try to step in and help.
—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Hayward police say two bystanders rescued a woman from a kidnapper Friday afternoon.
—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Three bystanders, Yamile Martinez, 21; Johntaya Alexander, 21; and Melinda Davis, 57, also died, unable to escape the sudden barrage of bullets.
—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Another clip shows people wrestling and exchanging blows in knee-deep water as bystanders shout and record the chaos on their phones.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Laredo Police Department/Handout via REUTERS Reports and videos from the scene show bystanders helping to rescue the two pilots and three teenaged passengers who survived.
—
Alex Crippen,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Video taken at the scene appeared to show bystanders racing over to the crash to help, including two people who used a sledgehammer and a shovel to break into the cockpit.
—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Video shared by a witness from the scene showed emergency responders attempting to crack open the plane’s windshield as authorities and bystanders assisted several people out of the burning aircraft.
—
Diego Mendoza,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Some bystanders were attempting life-saving measures when the Chesterton police and fire departments arrived.
—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Hayward police say two bystanders rescued a woman from a kidnapper Friday afternoon.
—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Three bystanders, Yamile Martinez, 21; Johntaya Alexander, 21; and Melinda Davis, 57, also died, unable to escape the sudden barrage of bullets.
—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Another clip shows people wrestling and exchanging blows in knee-deep water as bystanders shout and record the chaos on their phones.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Laredo Police Department/Handout via REUTERS Reports and videos from the scene show bystanders helping to rescue the two pilots and three teenaged passengers who survived.
—
Alex Crippen,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Video taken at the scene appeared to show bystanders racing over to the crash to help, including two people who used a sledgehammer and a shovel to break into the cockpit.
—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Video shared by a witness from the scene showed emergency responders attempting to crack open the plane’s windshield as authorities and bystanders assisted several people out of the burning aircraft.
—
Diego Mendoza,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Some bystanders were attempting life-saving measures when the Chesterton police and fire departments arrived.
—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystanders
Noun
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The trio in tiaras rode in the parade in an open convertible, waving to spectators.
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The spectators, meanwhile, were a perfect mix of first-timers and lifers, with both groups taking their dedication to the theme very, very seriously.
Noun
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The presence of observers from regional organizations such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, who were confined mostly to Addis Ababa, helped provide the election with international legitimacy.
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Electoral authorities and international observers have repeatedly defended the integrity of the process.
Noun
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Jace and his steed climbed free, high into the sky, just long enough for American viewers to have a quick bathroom break.
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Brazilian broadcaster CazéTV had encouraged its viewers to follow Vozinha during the match, and the response was immediate — his following swelled to 1 million within minutes of the final whistle.
Cite this Entry
“Bystanders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystanders. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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